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Could there be any truth in this?

Wed Dec 28, 2022 4:09 pm

Steve Day shared this link :?

https://global.com/2022/12/28/sullivan- ... GRANcggZH0



Sullivan selling and heading to Cardiff City FC with only relegation in the way

William Reynolds (Wales and West Reporter)

West Ham owner David Sullivan is selling his stake in the club and heading to Cardiff City, claim sources.

Sources in both London and Malaysia have revealed that West Ham’s major shareholder is selling his stake in the east-end club in 2023 to complete his promise to buy Cardiff City Football club in Wales.

Sullivan grew up in Penarth, just outside the Welsh Capital and has always vowed to buy his home town club, branding it a sleeping giant. In 1999 he came close to fulfilling his promise and purchasing the club with his brother Clive, who now resides in Australia.

The deal at the time collapsed when certain Cardiff Directors upped the price of their shares after a deal had been agreed upon.

Having paid a substantial deposit at the time, something Cardiff City couldn’t pay back, Sullivan told the then-Cardiff Chairman, Steve Borley, ‘to take it as a loan and pay it back when you can; it’s Cardiff City after all an unheard of move In football finances, demonstrating his passion and willingness towards his home town club.

Sullivan and the current West Ham United board are preparing to sell the club after March 2023, when a tax levy on their existing home – The London Stadium, is removed; the levy states until that date, if the club is sold for over 300 million pounds, 20% of the sum, has to be paid in a tax levy to the London Legacy Development Corporation.

With that date looming, Sullivan is reportedly approaching current Cardiff City owner Vincent Tan of the Berjaya group to take control of the Welsh club and deliver on his promises made over the last 20 years. Including an interview on national TV that he would buy his hometown club one day.

West Ham United, a club that Sullivan, alongside his long-term football partner, David Gold, saved the club from administration and possible liquidation before selling Upton Park and relocating the famous club to the former Olympic stadium, is now valued at between 800 – 900 million pounds.

David Gold, who recently relinquished 8 per cent of his shareholding whilst closing down his company that held them, is set to retire, whilst Sullivan heads to Wales. It’s unknown at present where those shares have gone or who to.

Meanwhile, Jiri Svarc, an expert in mergers and acquisitions for JP Morgan, has been added to the board of West Ham to oversee both deals.

Many West Ham fans feel that the new owner of West Ham will be a recent new investor, Daniel Kretinsky, who invested in the east-end club to the tune of 150 million pounds last year. However, according to sources close to both deals, this appears not to be the case; Kretinsky’s investment was simply that, to turn a significant profit on the club when it’s sold this year.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe is the likely purchaser of West Ham Football Club, as he wishes to purchase a Premier league football for his sporting portfolio.

Most people had never heard of Jim Ratcliffe until it was announced in 2018 that he was the wealthiest person in the UK, according to the Sunday Times Rich List. The self-made billionaire has been called the most successful post-war industrialist, yet only became an entrepreneur aged 40 and is notoriously publicity-shy.

Ratcliffe and his company snapped up the Swiss football team FC Lausanne-Sport in 2017. David Thompson, a senior executive at INEOS, said at the time: “This is not a profit-making activity”. The long-term aim is that one day the team can qualify for major European club competitions.

Despite already owning a football club with INEOS, albeit a Swiss one, the billionaire was keen to buy Chelsea Football Club and approached the club’s owner Roman Abramovich. Unfortunately for Ratcliffe, his advances are understood to have been rejected by the Russian oligarch.

In 2018, Ratcliffe announced that he was moving to Monaco’s glitzy, tax haven coastline, where ironically, he socialises with Memet Dalman, the current Chairman at Cardiff City, where they share the same interest of being boyhood Manchester United supporters.

The Sunday Times reported that relocating saved him up to $5.2 billion (£4bn) in tax. The headquarters of INEOS remain in London. Given his outspoken views on Brexit and his knighthood, the move has generated a lot of controversies. But then, controversy is nothing new to this self-made man from Greater Manchester.

West Ham United though themselves, have one primary concern that could scupper the deal, Ratcliffe, before completing his purchase, say sources, wants to ensure the club is still in the premiership at the end of the season as the club under the leadership of David Moyes, relegation could see both the deal for West Ham and Sullivan to Cardiff City scuppered.

Down in Wales, Cardiff City, it’s a similar position, sitting at the lower end of the table with an interim manager, former player Mark Hudson, whilst club owner billionaire Vincent Tan has pulled in the purse strings in an attempt to recoup some of his heavy investments into the Club, that he’s taken twice to the Premier League to be relegated the same season.

Speaking to a former Cardiff major shareholder, who sold his significant shareholding to Vincent Tan, he said ‘Sullivan’s deal at West Ham was always a property deal, and that deal is nearly completed; David has always wanted to return to Cardiff and awake the sleeping giant; it looks like only West Ham relegation stands in the way.’

Re: Could there be any truth in this?

Wed Dec 28, 2022 4:55 pm

Be a nice thought things are getting dire by the day

Re: Could there be any truth in this?

Wed Dec 28, 2022 5:21 pm

montyblue wrote:Be a nice thought things are getting dire by the day

What’s it say mate. Can’t ope.

Re: Could there be any truth in this?

Wed Dec 28, 2022 6:18 pm

Link don’t work

Re: Could there be any truth in this?

Wed Dec 28, 2022 6:49 pm

https://global247news.com/2022/12/28/su ... e-way/amp/

Re: Could there be any truth in this?

Wed Dec 28, 2022 6:50 pm

Ponty Bluebird wrote:Link don’t work


It was working. Said Sullivan is selling his shares in West Ham and wants to buy City.

This would be great. Local boy with a genuine interest in the club. Plenty of footballing experience. Exactly what we need. Whether there's any truth in this is another story though.

Re: Could there be any truth in this?

Wed Dec 28, 2022 6:54 pm

Merthyr_Blue27 wrote:
Ponty Bluebird wrote:Link don’t work


It was working. Said Sullivan is selling his shares in West Ham and wants to buy City.

This would be great. Local boy with a genuine interest in the club. Plenty of footballing experience. Exactly what we need. Whether there's any truth in this is another story though.



There is enough in story to make it viable.. but what confused me was the relegation bit I presume ot means if we get relgated its off... but that's not how it's came out at end .

Re: Could there be any truth in this?

Wed Dec 28, 2022 6:59 pm

pembroke allan wrote:
Merthyr_Blue27 wrote:
Ponty Bluebird wrote:Link don’t work


It was working. Said Sullivan is selling his shares in West Ham and wants to buy City.

This would be great. Local boy with a genuine interest in the club. Plenty of footballing experience. Exactly what we need. Whether there's any truth in this is another story though.



There is enough in story to make it viable.. but what confused me was the relegation bit I presume ot means if we get relgated its off... but that's not how it's came out at end .


I think it means the guy doesn't want to buy West ham if they are relegated. That's what I'm taking from the last sentence anyway. Would be a good fit if there's any truth in it. We can hope.

Re: Could there be any truth in this?

Wed Dec 28, 2022 7:05 pm

Merthyr_Blue27 wrote:
pembroke allan wrote:
Merthyr_Blue27 wrote:
Ponty Bluebird wrote:Link don’t work


It was working. Said Sullivan is selling his shares in West Ham and wants to buy City.

This would be great. Local boy with a genuine interest in the club. Plenty of footballing experience. Exactly what we need. Whether there's any truth in this is another story though.



There is enough in story to make it viable.. but what confused me was the relegation bit I presume ot means if we get relgated its off... but that's not how it's came out at end .


I think it means the guy doesn't want to buy West ham if they are relegated. That's what I'm taking from the last sentence anyway. Would be a good fit if there's any truth in it. We can hope.



Yes was my take in it as they are near bottom... so are we hence confusion... font think wham will go down .

Re: Could there be any truth in this?

Wed Dec 28, 2022 7:11 pm

pembroke allan wrote:
Merthyr_Blue27 wrote:
pembroke allan wrote:
Merthyr_Blue27 wrote:
Ponty Bluebird wrote:Link don’t work


It was working. Said Sullivan is selling his shares in West Ham and wants to buy City.

This would be great. Local boy with a genuine interest in the club. Plenty of footballing experience. Exactly what we need. Whether there's any truth in this is another story though.



There is enough in story to make it viable.. but what confused me was the relegation bit I presume ot means if we get relgated its off... but that's not how it's came out at end .


I think it means the guy doesn't want to buy West ham if they are relegated. That's what I'm taking from the last sentence anyway. Would be a good fit if there's any truth in it. We can hope.



Yes was my take in it as they are near bottom... so are we hence confusion... font think wham will go down .


Yea it wasnt very clear. Don't think they will go down either. If we were relegated, Sullivan would probably get us cheaper than if we stay up!

Re: Could there be any truth in this?

Wed Dec 28, 2022 7:34 pm

Hope he brings The Sunday Sport Girls with him.
No but seriously I would welcome him :bluescarf:

Re: Could there be any truth in this?

Wed Dec 28, 2022 7:37 pm

Merthyr_Blue27 wrote:
pembroke allan wrote:
Merthyr_Blue27 wrote:
pembroke allan wrote:
Merthyr_Blue27 wrote:
Ponty Bluebird wrote:Link don’t work


It was working. Said Sullivan is selling his shares in West Ham and wants to buy City.

This would be great. Local boy with a genuine interest in the club. Plenty of footballing experience. Exactly what we need. Whether there's any truth in this is another story though.



There is enough in story to make it viable.. but what confused me was the relegation bit I presume ot means if we get relgated its off... but that's not how it's came out at end .


I think it means the guy doesn't want to buy West ham if they are relegated. That's what I'm taking from the last sentence anyway. Would be a good fit if there's any truth in it. We can hope.



Yes was my take in it as they are near bottom... so are we hence confusion... font think wham will go down .


Yea it wasnt very clear. Don't think they will go down either. If we were relegated, Sullivan would probably get us cheaper than if we stay up!



Strong chance of that as well! But prefer to stay up as not so far to go into premier league.. :D

Re: Could there be any truth in this?

Wed Dec 28, 2022 7:48 pm

73yrs old and given the3 source I'd say its bollocks.

Re: Could there be any truth in this?

Wed Dec 28, 2022 7:53 pm

Sneggyblubird wrote:73yrs old and given the3 source I'd say its bollocks.

Why 73 yrs old is s problem mate?

Re: Could there be any truth in this?

Thu Dec 29, 2022 10:00 am

I would be more sceptical of the link provider, he must be bored again.

Re: Could there be any truth in this?

Thu Dec 29, 2022 11:17 am

JulesK wrote:I would be more sceptical of the link provider, he must be bored again.

That but I agree with :D

Re: Could there be any truth in this?

Thu Dec 29, 2022 11:36 am

He has always said he wanted to buy us. So why not. Almost like the timing is right.

Re: Could there be any truth in this?

Thu Dec 29, 2022 12:53 pm

Had it come from a different source I may have believed this but I reserve judgement until a more credible source comes to light.

Re: Could there be any truth in this?

Thu Dec 29, 2022 12:59 pm

Ponty Bluebird wrote:Had it come from a different source I may have believed this but I reserve judgement until a more credible source comes to light.

Yes, same here Sam.

Re: Could there be any truth in this?

Thu Dec 29, 2022 2:29 pm

Merthyr_Blue27 wrote:
Ponty Bluebird wrote:Link don’t work


It was working. Said Sullivan is selling his shares in West Ham and wants to buy City.

This would be great. Local boy with a genuine interest in the club. Plenty of footballing experience. Exactly what we need. Whether there's any truth in this is another story though.


Sullivan's name has been linked with us for years and years, he could have come here from Brum but chose West Ham, I don't think he has a genuine interest in us, it would be just a business deal.

Re: Could there be any truth in this?

Thu Dec 29, 2022 3:28 pm

Don Keydick wrote:
Merthyr_Blue27 wrote:
Ponty Bluebird wrote:Link don’t work


It was working. Said Sullivan is selling his shares in West Ham and wants to buy City.

This would be great. Local boy with a genuine interest in the club. Plenty of footballing experience. Exactly what we need. Whether there's any truth in this is another story though.


Sullivan's name has been linked with us for years and years, he could have come here from Brum but chose West Ham, I don't think he has a genuine interest in us, it would be just a business deal.



Wont that apply to any new owner? Not sure many multi millionaires from Cardiff wanting to buy club...

Re: Could there be any truth in this?

Thu Dec 29, 2022 5:04 pm

Doubt it will happen, as soon as Tan gets involved it will go titsup. If he wants all the dollar he’s blown back I think he’s in for a surprise….plus league 1 clubs go for about £10 million not the ridiculous amount he’s holding out for. :old:

Re: Could there be any truth in this?

Thu Dec 29, 2022 5:13 pm

goats wrote:Doubt it will happen, as soon as Tan gets involved it will go titsup. If he wants all the dollar he’s blown back I think he’s in for a surprise….plus league 1 clubs go for about £10 million not the ridiculous amount he’s holding out for. :old:

Derby cost nearly 80 odd million in league one there , 30 odd fir ckub 50 for stadium

Re: Could there be any truth in this?

Thu Dec 29, 2022 5:32 pm

wez1927 wrote:
goats wrote:Doubt it will happen, as soon as Tan gets involved it will go titsup. If he wants all the dollar he’s blown back I think he’s in for a surprise….plus league 1 clubs go for about £10 million not the ridiculous amount he’s holding out for. :old:

Derby cost nearly 80 odd million in league one there , 30 odd fir ckub 50 for stadium


Was wondering how div 1
Was relevant to selling city ? :D

Re: Could there be any truth in this?

Thu Dec 29, 2022 10:13 pm

It is well documented that Sullivan will probably sell his shares in April 2023 as a price was agreed last year. If there is any truth in his interest in Cardiff it would be probably for his son

Re: Could there be any truth in this?

Sat Dec 31, 2022 12:37 pm

bluebird1972 wrote:It is well documented that Sullivan will probably sell his shares in April 2023 as a price was agreed last year. If there is any truth in his interest in Cardiff it would be probably for his son


Or his brother again?

Re: Could there be any truth in this?

Sat Dec 31, 2022 1:02 pm

bluebirdoct1962 wrote:
Ponty Bluebird wrote:Had it come from a different source I may have believed this but I reserve judgement until a more credible source comes to light.

Yes, same here Sam.

I really hope it’s true, Andrew but because of where it’s come from then I’m a bit sceptical. But we live in hope and Mr Bull-Shitter is a West Spam fan afterall, so you never know.

We’ll just have to watch this space with fingers crossed, I suppose :ayatollah: